BUSINESSES in South Somerset have until Monday, February 28 to apply for funding from the district council's Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant. 

The Government announced the introduction of grant support for hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses in England on December 21. 

Local businesses have been able to apply for funding since 10am on Thursday, January 6. 

Eligible businesses in South Somerset can apply for a grant of between £2,667 and £6,000. 

A spokesperson for South Somerset District Council said: "The primary principle of the Omicron Hospitality and Leisure Grant scheme is to support businesses that offer in-person services, where the main service and activity takes place in a fixed rate-paying premises, in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors.

"If you have any queries regarding the scheme, please contact restart@southsomerset.gov.uk and someone will respond as soon as is reasonably practicable.

"Please note that this supersedes the Hospitality Support Grant that the Council had planned to launch on the same date."

To be eligible to apply for funding under this scheme, applicants must have been trading on December 30, 2021; be the current business premise ratepayer, and offer in-person services within the required sectors. 

At least 50 per cent of applicants' business activity must be within the hospitality, leisure or accommodation sectors. 

The application process will remain open until 5pm on Monday, February 28. 

To apply on the South Somerset District Council website, visit: www.southsomerset.gov.uk/omicronbusinessgrant. 

For support help the application form, contact the grants team by emailing restart@southsomerset.gov.uk with the subject 'South Somerset District Council’s Hospitality Support Scheme application support'. 

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